Ex-DUP Leader Mocks Wales, NI & Scotland Independence Pact!

Sep 16, 2026 | Arlene Foster just called the break-up of the UK “nonsense” and “performance art.” The former DUP leader dismissed Welsh independence, Scottish independence, and a united Ireland in one clip — and the contempt is the story.

Was it a distraction… or did Brexit already crack the union she claims to defend?

This week the first ministers of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland met in Cardiff to talk self-determination, just as Donald Trump backed a united Ireland.

Foster went on The Jeremy Kyle Breakfast Show and said none of them have a majority, the pact is a “destruction charter,” and it “isn’t going to happen.”

Why the United Kingdom Is Facing New Calls for Independence | DW News

Sep 14, 2026 | Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are challenging London's authority, saying its days of control running out. We explore what is at stake for the UK's various nations – and how serious the challenge to the union really is.

The UK Is a Voluntary Union, So There Must Be a Mechanism to Leave | Stephen Gethins

Sep 14, 2026 | “Let’s figure out what the mechanism [to leave the UK] is so we can get on with the debate about the substance.”

The last Scottish independence vote was “a long time ago” and the current union doesn’t properly serve the people of Scotland, says minister for Europe, external affairs and energy for the SNP Stephen Gethins.

Burnham Cannot Stop End of United Kingdom, Says Sinn Fein

THE TELEGRAPH: First ministers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland sign pact insisting on ‘right to self-determination’

Screenshot taken from this Telegraph article. | John Swinney, Rhun ap Iorwerth, Mary Lou McDonald and Michelle O’Neill signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday Credit: Adrian Dennis/AFP
Andy Burnham cannot stop the United Kingdom from breaking up, Sinn Féin said after signing a pact with the SNP and Plaid Cymru.

The first ministers of the UK’s three devolved nations – John Swinney, the SNP leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth, leader of Plaid Cymru, and Michelle O’Neill, Sinn Féin’s vice-president – signed a memorandum of understanding during a meeting in Cardiff on Monday.

The deal aims to pile pressure on the Prime Minister after Donald Trump, the US president, said he would “love” to see a united Ireland.

Ms O’Neill, Northern Ireland’s First Minister, said Mr Burnham “will not be able to hold back the tide” of nationalism in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Speaking at a joint press conference by the four leaders, she said: “We’re certainly living in times of enormous change, change that is unstoppable, change that – no matter what is said by any British prime minister – will not be able to hold back the tide of what’s happening in front of our eyes right now.

“Our common cause here is the understanding that Westminster does not and will never serve our people well. Our common cause here is that we have the right to self-determination, and the common cause that we have here is that we need to collectively ensure that that message is heard in Westminster.” » | Simon Johnson | Scottish Political Editor | Monday, September 14, 2026

LIVE: Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish Leaders to Call for Independence from UK

September 14, 2026

Irish, Scots and Welsh Leaders Meet to Plan Break-up of United Kingdom

THE TELEGRAPH: Pro-independence first ministers will sign ‘memorandum of understanding’ at Cardiff summit and demand referendums

The leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will gather on Monday to sign a deal designed to kick-start the break-up of the United Kingdom, The Telegraph can disclose.

At an unprecedented summit in Cardiff, the three first ministers will put pen to paper on a joint declaration demanding the right to hold independence referendums.

The meeting comes after Andy Burnham suggested to MPs that he would authorise another Scottish referendum if there were a “clear consensus” in favour of one.

The summit will come two days after Donald Trump declared that he would “love” to see a united Ireland. During a visit to Dublin on Saturday, he said Northern Ireland joining the Republic would be “a great thing” and asked: “How can it be bad?” » | Nick Gutteridge Chief Political Correspondent. Simon Johnson Scottish Political Editor | Sunday, September 13, 2026

Bring it on! The English have so badly managed the UK economy over decades that these three Celtic nations would be able to achieve greater prosperity as independent nations within the European Union. Northern Ireland only has to join the rest of Ireland and become united anyway. England itself could join the corrupt USA as a US state under Trump. It would be welcome with open arms. Trump will take the English to the cleaners, and he might even steal the Crown Jewels to get himself crowned king, but the English will get used to it and I’m sure they will enjoy their new life in Cowboyland. — © Mark Alexander

Firefighters Battle to Contain France and Spain Wildfires as Thousands Evacuated | BBC News

July 25, 2026 | Firefighters are struggling to contain wildfires raging across Europe.

An evacuation alert for residents in the south-west of France takes the number of people displaced to more than 220,000.

In Spain, about 25,000 were told to evacuate as a local official says that containing wildfires near Madrid is "beyond the capacity" of firefighters.

A major incident has also been declared by Police Scotland, as emergency services continue to tackle a wildfire which has been burning in the Cairngorms National Park for 10 days.

Peter Murrell Pleads Guilty to Embezzling SNP Money

May 25, 2026 | Peter Murrell was chief executive of the SNP for 22 years. Now, he is about to spend his first night in prison, after pleading guilty to embezzling more than £400,000 from the party.

Police said he diverted cash into his own accounts "to bankroll the lavish lifestyle he craved but could not afford".

The SNP's current leader, John Swinney, called it "an overwhelming betrayal".

JD Vance Holidays in the UK | US Politics | The New Statesman

Aug 16, 2025 | From the Cotswolds to Scotland, JD Vance has been busy.

The US vice-president began his trip by spending time with his "friend", foreign secretary David Lammy. Following that, he's met a who’s who of right-wing populists - from Robert Jenrick, to Nigel Farage, to, somewhat bizarrely, a BBQ with ex-Apprentice contestant and social media star Thomas Skinner.

What's he doing here? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by George Eaton and Will Lloyd to discuss.


THE OBSERVER: The Vance guard: the new right being cooked up in the Cotswolds: The vice-president shared BBQ and beers with allies whose thinktank has come to the attention of the Electoral Commission Monday night in the Cotswolds village of Dean was one of those perfect August evenings, when the long hot day blurs into a balmy night. At an 18th-century manor house owned by the millionaire couple Johnny and Pippa Hornby, a BBQ was set up and a group of friends – some longstanding, others meeting for the first time –were putting the world to rights over a few beers. »

Nicola Sturgeon Says Part of Her 'Closed Down' after Her Arrest in Exclusive ITV News Interview

Aug 10, 2025 | You can watch 'Nicola Sturgeon - The Interview' in full at 7pm on Monday 11th on ITV1, ITVX and STV.

Scotland’s former first minister Nicola Sturgeon has described the day she was arrested as “horrific” and “the worst day of her life.”

In an exclusive interview with ITV News, ahead of the release of her memoir, Frankly, Sturgeon talks about the day of her arrest, telling Julie Etchingham, "I think a part of me just closed down."

In a wide-ranging and frank discussion, the former first minister also expressed regret in her handling of transgender legislation during her time in office, admitting she should have “paused” the legislation when the debate became polarised.

She writes in her book, “I have never considered sexuality, my own included, to be binary,” adding that she was “enjoying being her own person for a while”.

The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe | Mary Berry's Everyday Episode 1 | Full Episode | Mary Berry

May 19, 2025 | Mary travels to Scotland to enjoy the best of their everyday larder with recipes inspired by her own Scots heritage. She discovers wonderful shellfish in Ullapool, shares the joy of venison cooked on a BBQ with chef Tom Kitchin and whips up her special whisky cream on the banks of a loch.

Amber Warning as Storm Floris Brings Damage and Disruption

BBC: An amber weather warning is in place for most of Scotland as Storm Floris batters the country with winds of up to 85mph.

Homes have lost power, trains and ferries have been suspended and people urged to avoid travel in mainland Scotland, the Western Isles and Orkney until 23:00.

Vehicles have been blown over in Glasgow and Skye, while the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and other major events have been cancelled.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said the storm would bring "significant disruption" from unseasonably strong winds. » | Megan Bonar and Paul O'Hare | BBC Scotland News | Sunday, August 3, 2025. Updated Monday, August 4, 2025

'Trump, Go Home': Scotland Erupts in Rage; US Consulate 'Stormed' over Support to Israel on Gaza

Jul 27, 2025 | US President Donald Trump played golf Saturday at his course on Scotland's coast while protesters around the country took to the streets to decry his visit. Trump and his son Eric played with the US ambassador to Britain, Warren Stephens, near Turnberry, a historic course that the Trump family's company took over in 2008. Hundreds of protesters gathered on the cobblestone and tree-lined street in front of the US Consulate about 100 miles (160 kilometres) away in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital. Speakers on a makeshift stage told the crowd that Trump was not welcome and criticised his role over Gaza and Ukraine wars.

I'm sure that the Scots must be cock-a-hoop to have Goldilocks in their midst. – © Mark Alexander

Man Arrested in Glasgow for Holding Sign Allegedly Supportive of Palestine Action

THE GUARDIAN: Arrest under the Terrorism Act happened after the man refused to stop displaying the sign when asked by police

A man has been arrested in Glasgow for holding a paper sign allegedly supportive of the proscribed direct action group Palestine Action, the third arrest of its kind across the city in the past week.

Police Scotland confirmed that the 64-year-old man, who had been speaking to a small group of protesters gathered at Nelson Mandela Place in the city centre on Friday afternoon, had been arrested in connection with an offence under the Terrorism Act “for displaying a sign expressing support for a proscribed organisation”.

The sign read “Genocide in Palestine, time to take action” with the words Palestine and action larger than the others. Another man wearing a T-shirt with the same slogan was charged with a similar offence last weekend at the TRNSMT music festival in Glasgow Green. » | Libby Brooks | Scotland correspondent | Friday, July 18, 2025

Every Pensioner in Scotland to Receive Winter Fuel Payment Next Year

Nov 28, 2024 | The Scottish government has announced that all pensioners in Scotland will receive a winter heating payment in the year 2025 to 2026.

The devolved benefit, if passed, will help the estimated 900,000 people north of the border who were cut off from accessing the winter fuel payment - which was universal until changes were made under the Labour government in September.

Under the devolved government's plans, those in receipt of pension credit or other benefits will receive a £200 or £300 payment depending on their age, while all other pensioners will receive a reduced payment of £100.

‘America’s Gone Mad’: Disbelief in Ayrshire, Scotland, Near Trump’s Golf Course

THE GUARDIAN: While some say Trump has done much for Turnberry’s economy, others claim election result is ‘a disaster – he’s a fascist’

A screenshot taken from this article in today’s Guardian: Donald Trump attends the opening of his Turnberry golf course in 2016. Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian
The sun is pressing through the low grey clouds above Turnberry beach in Ayrshire where Alan Ringrose is walking his dog. He shakes his head at the emerging news from across the Atlantic.

“I think America’s gone mad,” he says. “How can you elect a criminal as president?”

Disbelief is his overriding emotion as the reality of a second Trump presidency sinks in. “I don’t get it. Perhaps people were afraid to elect a black woman?” » | Libby Brooks, Scotland correspondent | Thursday, November 7 , 2024

I can’t say that I am shocked by yesterday’s election result. Donald Trump is a coarse, vulgar, unrefined man who appeals to a large section of American voters. Trump’s re-election tells us exactly who the Americans are. Be under no illusions! The Americans of today are not the Americans of yesteryear. The Americans who fought in the Second World War were a different breed. Just take a look at a picture of Americans in the 30s and 40s and compare that picture with one taken today.

In voting for Trump, American voters have played fast and loose with their Constitution, fast and loose with their freedoms, and fast and loose with their future. Unfortunately, they have played fast and loose with our future, too. Americans who voted for Trump will deserve all they get; we won’t.

I already see dark clouds on the horizon. We had better prepare ourselves for the worst. – © Mark Alexander

Alex Salmond, Former First Minister of Scotland, Dies Aged 69

THE GUARDIAN: High-profile politician reported to have collapsed after delivering speech in North Macedonia on Saturday

Alex Salmond, the former first minister of Scotland who led Scotland to the brink of independence, has died at the age of 69.

Salmond served as first minister of Scotland from 2007. He stood down from the role after failing to secure independence in the 2014 referendum, handing over to his deputy, Nicola Sturgeon.

Reports suggested that he collapsed after delivering a speech in North Macedonia on Saturday.

Scotland’s first minister, John Swinney, said he was “deeply shocked and saddened”.

“Alex worked tirelessly and fought fearlessly for the country that he loved and for her independence. He took the Scottish National party from the fringes of Scottish politics into government and led Scotland so close to becoming an independent country.” » | Michael Savage and Libby Brooks | Saturday, October 12, 2024

A Look Back... David Cameron: Palace ‘Displeasure’ at Former PM - BBC News

Sep 19, 2019 | Buckingham Palace has expressed displeasure after the former Prime Minister David Cameron revealed that he sought the Queen's help during the Scottish independence referendum campaign. In a BBC documentary, Mr Cameron said that in 2014 he had asked if the Queen could intervene because he was concerned Scotland was going to vote for independence. The Queen later urged people to 'think very carefully' about the future.

Another former Conservative Prime Minister is also in the spotlight, as Sir John Major’s lawyers tell the Supreme Court that the current PM, Boris Johnson, was ‘dishonest’ about his reasons for suspending Parliament. Mr Johnson says progress is being made in Brexit talks with the EU.

BBC News at Ten’s coverage with Royal Correspondent Nicholas Witchell, Home Editor Mark Easton, and Europe Editor Katya Adler.

Islamist Hate Cleric 'Refugee' Raises Millions to Set Up Islamic 'Homeland' on Scottish Isle

Jul 29, 2024 | Yasser al-Habib came to Britain as a refugee and has since vowed to undermine British values and install a sharia homeland within our territory.

Read a related article here.

Islamic Hate Preacher's Audacious Bid to Turn Scottish Island into 'Sharia' State Raises £3m

SCOTTISH DAILY EXPRESS: Sheikh Yasser al-Habib wants to purchase the isle of Torsa off Scotland's west coast - but he'll need to get past the Women's Institute first!

Sheikh Yasser al-Habib wants to turn the island of Torsa into his own Islamic state (Image: Wikicommons)
An Islamic hate preacher said to have his own 'army' has launched an audacious bid to buy a Scottish island and turn it into his own state based on Sharia law. Sheikh Yasser al-Habib has raised £3 million to purchase the isle of Torsa, located off the west coast of Argyll and Bute.

He is said to be in 'advanced talks' to buy the land. The 45-year-old claimed asylum in the UK 20 years ago and runs military-style training camps for an 'army' group called Al-Shurta Al-Khamis.

He plans to build a school, hospital and mosque on the island which will be run on strict Muslim laws. A video sent to supporters shows the cleric saying he will negotiate with the UK Government and invite Muslims from "all over the world" to Torsa which will become their "homeland". » | Douglas Dickie, Content editor | Sunday, July 28, 2024